EU presidency sponsored

The Government has accepted seven offers of sponsorship for the Irish presidency of the EU, worth €14 million.

They include Audi supplying cars to bring ministers from the airport to their hotels during the 11 ministerial meetings that will take place and UPC providing broadband for Dublin Castle where most of the meetings will take place. Eircom will provide internet services, while ESB will provide electric cars.

The Government announced last June it was seeking sponsorship and received 21 offers.

The presidency is due to begin on January 1st and will run for six months. The Government has said it wants to keep costs down and expects to spend €60 million, not including security. The last presidency in 2004 cost €110 million.